About the
Partners

Musqueam Indian Band

The xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people have been here as long as there has been land to live upon. Our traditional territory occupies what is now Vancouver and surrounding areas, and we have lived in the area of our present location for thousands of years. The name Musqueam relates back to the flowering plant, məθkʷəy̓, which grows in the Fraser River estuary. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the məθkʷəy̓ plant.

"It was noted that in some periods the məθkʷəy̓ plant flourished, and in some periods it could scarcely be found. It was also noted that in some periods our people would flourish and in some periods the population would dwindle, perhaps by plague or war. It was in this way that we became known as xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)."

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people, descended from the cultural group known as the Coast Salish. Our people moved throughout our traditional territory using the resources the land provided for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering, to maintain their livelihood. Today, the Musqueam people still use these resources for economic and traditional purposes.

Although a metropolitan city has developed in the heart of Musqueam territory, our community maintains strong cultural practices and traditional beliefs. Our community historians and educators teach and pass on our history to our people, which has always been the way of our people, to keep our culture and traditions strong.

Today, our population flourishes and we are a strong community of over 1,300 members. We live on a very small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River.

“This project is a great example of the growing role of First Nations in Vancouver and as key drivers in advancing the economy of British Columbia. The Musqueam Indian Band is excited to work alongside the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, the Federal and Provincial Governments, as well as local municipalities to create a legacy that will benefit the city and our members for generations.”

Squamish Nation

The Squamish Nation is a vibrant and dynamic Coast Salish Nation, comprised of the descendants of the Squamish Language-speaking Indigenous peoples who have resided in, and governed, their territory—covering the areas known today as Vancouver, Howe Sound, and the Squamish River watershed—since time immemorial. Squamish Nation is one of the largest First Nations in BC, with over 4,000 members. The majority of Squamish Nation members reside on several urban reserves in the cities of Vancouver, North and West Vancouver, and the District of Squamish, BC. We acknowledge our Squamish Nation ancestors, whose legacies and teachings have been shared from generation to generation.

The Squamish Nation has become a business incubator, with unique potential to contribute to the robust economic landscape of this city, the region and the province. As our capacity for economic development continues to grow, we are committed to ensuring that our people benefit from the economic activity and job creation taking place within the Squamish Nation’s Traditional Territory, today and for generations to come.

Our people are intrinsically connected to the lands and waters. The place referred to today as Jericho Beach is known to the Squamish Peoples as Iy̓ál̓mexw (meaning “good land”), which was one of many seasonal Squamish villages along the banks of the Burrard Inlet and beyond. The contemporary name comes from Jericho Charlie, an Iy̓ál̓mexw resident and prominent community figure in the early days of Vancouver.

“This is an exciting time, and a great opportunity for everybody involved. The Jericho lands project is a way for our Nations to rebuild from the decades of harm done to our communities. Our work with the MST Partnership, Canada Lands and the Jericho community is encouraging for the future. We look forward to seeing the opportunities that are created in terms of housing, jobs, cultural revitalization, and community-building — not only for our community, but for all communities.”

Tsleil-Waututh Nation

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We are the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, "The People of the Inlet." We have inhabited the lands and waters of our traditional territory surrounding the Burrard Inlet in British Columbia since time immemorial.

Many generations of men, women and children have lived, had families, and thrived in this area, and we have a sacred trust, a commitment to care for our lands and waters.

Our vision is to once again put the Tsleil-Waututh face on our traditional territory, to be active participants in all social, economic, cultural, and political activities that take place on our lands by building strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

The Tsleil-Waututh Nation owns and operates several businesses that range from recreational facilities, real estate endeavors, to a forestry company, and a cultural tourism operation. These businesses strengthen our community through capacity building, revenue generation and employment opportunities. We believe in thinking big and acting decisively to care for our lands and waters. Only through this approach can we sustain and enhance our own culture, and contribute the wealth of knowledge we have tothe broader community.

“We’re excited about the prospect of what these lands hold for future generations, not only for our Tsleil-Waututh people, but also for the Squamish and Musqueam and all Canadians. We look forward to working with our partners, the City of Vancouver and the local community to outline a vision and contribute to the dynamic growth of our city."

Canada Lands Company

Canada Lands Company is a self-financing, federal Crown corporation that specializes in real estate, development and attractions management. The company’s goal in all it does is to produce the best possible benefit for Canadian communities and the Government of Canada. Canada Lands Company works to achieve its mandate with industry leading expertise; the company prides itself on its consultation based approach to pursuing community-oriented goals, environmental stewardship and heritage commemoration with all its projects across Canada.

The company’s activities ensure that former government properties are redeveloped or managed in accordance with their highest and best use, and that they are harmoniously reintegrated into local communities. Our goal is to help transform surplus parcels and reshape them to meet the needs of Canadians with inspiring and sustainable new neighbourhoods in which they can live, work and play.

"This property is a tremendous opportunity to integrate an inclusive and innovative project while further enhancing an established community. This is our chance to achieve something unique. We always aim to set new standards; we’re very excited to engage the community.”

Robert Howald, Executive Vice President of Real Estate, Canada Lands Company

“We aspire to work with the City and community to create an innovative and high quality new neighbourhood that reflects our partnership and enhances this evolving part of Vancouver. We look forward to very thoughtful conversations to help inform our planning process.”

“Canada Lands is incredibly proud of the work underway with our joint venture partner, the MST Partnership. This historic relationship demonstrates capacity for collaboration between a federal Crown corporation real estate company and Aboriginal partners, not only here in Vancouver, but right across Canada.”